Used Bikes Question

Okay, there are a couple of used bikes (supposedly in decent condition) that are for sale for about $200 to $250. I am considering buying them, but maybe I shouldn't? No pictures available, unfortunately, but I wanted to see if I should even worry about trying to get more information on the models. With that somewhat long introduction, here are the bikes I am considering:

Cannondale Delta V900
Barracuda A2E

I have not been able to find any good information about either bike. Really, I'm looking for a hardtail, so the V900 is probably not an option. I also don't know what size the frame is, what components, etc. but I can find that out. Both were supposedly $1200+ bikes originally, so the ought to have decent parts. At least, I would hope. Any specific thoughts on either bike?

theres nothing wrong with buying used but you have to be smart and thorough during the search. ask the seller as many concerns as you may have to avoid "surprises." granted, there are many shady sellers out there as well. are these bikes local? or are they from the net? i've bought many parts/components from the net, such as craigslist.org and mtbr.com classifieds. so far i haven't gotten ripped off nor surprised. but try to buy locally if possible, i always try to meet the seller and look at the item first.

The Cannondale is local - 45 miles away - so I can actually check it out. The Barracuda is in Las Vegas, so I can't look at it in person. Really, I was hoping someone could give me the standard configuration of the Barracuda A2E or a link to such information. I've searched around, but it sounds like the company is no longer around. I don't even know if the bike is full suspension or anything. Help?

Yeah, I saw those. I just have no idea whether there was only a 1998 model, or if there were multiple models, or what. It sounds like Barracuda used to be owned by Ross, and was later sold to someone else, and that the quality declined after the sale. I was hoping someone on here might have current knowledge of the situation, i.e. is the Barracuda A2E a good bike? It *looks* like it, based on the only information I've been able to find, but that doesn't mean a whole lot. The bike probably has a 15" frame or something anyway - I'm hoping to get that information from the shop tomorrow.

Those bikes are both what I would consider "VERY OLD" in terms of new technology.

Plus, with such quick advancements in technology, a NEW $300 bike will probably have a better fork than a $1200 from 5+ years ago!

My recommendation. KEEP LOOKING!

Oh yeah, if they can't produce a picture for me, I can't produce a payment!

I like to see it before I buy it!

L8R

"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, "WOW, What a Ride!" - unknown
"Your Bike Sucks" - Sky Yaeger

Well, to conclude the whole story, I got some pictures of the Cannondale Delta V900 and it looked okay. Not great, but not terrible either. I called up and they claimed to measure the frame at 21". Upon arrival, I found that the bike wasn't anywhere near 21" - more like 17". Not a good thing for a 6'3" guy.

But, there's a happy conclusion to the story. They had a Trek 820 at the store as well, and it did have a 20-22" frame. Not sure how large exactly, but big enough for me. The components are a lot lower-end, but the bike was in better condition, and more importantly, it was $100. They also had a Rock Hopper, but it had a small frame as well, and at $300, it was far too expensive. I took the Trek for a brief ride and didn't notice any glaring problems, so now I have my starter bike. No shocks, but I'll be on the road and paved trails mostly for a few months at least. If I actually manage to get in shape, I'll probably either upgrade various parts - the frame seems pretty decent, at least - or I'll end up getting a new bike at some point.

"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, "WOW, What a Ride!" - unknown
"Your Bike Sucks" - Sky Yaeger